Generation Supports the Next Generation of Game Developers in LatAm with Unity
The gaming industry in Latin America is promising and rapidly growing. According to the latest Global Games Market Report by data company NewZoo, the region has 335 million gamers, which accounts for 10% of the world’s total. Additionally, LatAm’s gaming industry is estimated to have generated US$8.7 billion in 2023.
Recognizing the potential of the gaming industry, Generation worked with Unity, the world’s leading platform of tools for creators to build and grow real-time games, apps, and experiences across multiple platforms, to offer a 13-week Unity Game Developer Program in Colombia.
In the first phase of the partnership, 122 people were enrolled in the program, enabling them to learn online and gain relevant employability skills, while creating opportunities for remote work in the game industry. A new chapter of the partnership began in the second half of 2023 with a goal of training 120 individuals to become game developers by the end of 2024.
Learners
Of the 122 enrolled in the first phase, 78% were between 18 and 29 years old, and 25% had dependents. In terms of gender, 75% were male, and 25% were female.
Before enrolling in the program, 74% were unemployed. However, after completing the program, 77% of the graduates secured a job within six months.
Of the graduates who found employment, 62% secured remote work roles, with over a quarter of the roles based outside of Colombia.
Employers
Generation provides one-on-one mentorship to our graduates after the program to help them find employment. Our sessions cover key employment topics such as salary negotiation, time management, personal brand positioning, freelancing basics, and habit establishment. Additionally, we have a network of graduate mentors who support recent graduates.
In total, our graduates from this particular program have been hired by 81 different companies, and 31% of graduates have been hired by repeat employers.
Transforming lives
When preparing underrepresented individuals to work in the gaming industry, Generation aims to promote economic mobility by building a bridge to otherwise inaccessible careers.
Our focus is on preparing individuals for remote jobs, which can increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech sector.
“This approach makes it possible for people from remote areas or those with caregiving responsibilities to start or continue their careers due to the flexibility of working from home. Generation will continue to monitor the gaming industry and its potential to bring about life-changing opportunities in Latam”, adds Gabriela Paranhos, Generation’s Regional COO for Latin America.
